Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1887-01-27

to the promenade. Early the next
morning Mr. Winston returns to
town.
Could the friends of Athol G. ford
have seen the look of utter hopeless
ness which overspreads her face as she
is alone in her room. and hear her muir
muir: morris, my love, my love, my
own perverseness and the freak of
some lunatic have parted us forever!
D where are you nowp" they would no
longer be puzzled as TO the cause of
her refusing all offers for her hand
She bears herself proudly before the
world; and few would hardly imagine
that the naughty, fashionable and
beautiful Miss Clifford is often prey
to the deepest despair.
The next day as Athol is dressing for
drive, the door of her room was
thrown open and young lady, whom
she has known but short time enters.
"Oh. Miss g fford!' she exclaims, II
have just seen some of the arrivals;
among them is the most elegant man
1 ever saw. He is as handsome us
prince, and all the girls are just wild
over him; but the worst of it is they
say he Is gongto marry a southern
beauty. who is immensely wealthy. l
am told she is here, but / have not
seen her. She must be very facinating
or Morris Langly-"
At this name Athol becomes deadly
pale. and with a low, suppressed cry,
presses her hand upon her wildly throb-
b.ng heart
"Are you i'll? What is the matterp"
In, hA MT
of that episode in Athol's life which
linked her name with Norris Langley's,
wonders at her sudden emotion.
Athol, with violent effort, RECEIVERS
herself, feeling extremely annoyed to
think that should Miss Cleaver hear
the story she would suspect the reason
of her becoming so agitated at the
mention of Norris Langley's name.
1T is nothing" says Athoi. lightly,
but slight pain. to which l am sub
ject at times. What were you saying
about Mr.. Langley. AliceP"
"Oh, that he could not be attracked
by her money, because j am told that
he has plenty of his own"
even supposing, such a prince
among men could be actuated by so
mean motive, ell. Alicep'
Miss Cleaver laughs. ii will not in
trude longer" she says, ''for see you
are going out and / only wished to ex-
cite your curiosity. / expected you
would overwhelm me with questions,
but you do not seem to be in the least
curious; only wait until you see him"
As the door closes after her Athol
buries her face in her hands. while sobs
shake he frame.
80 soon, so soon." she thinks, "he
never could have loved me or he would
not have been so easily repulsed! Only
one short year and he is going to marry
another
At this moment there comes knock
at the door, Athol springs upon the bed
and throws handkerchief over her
face then calls 'come inn Her maid
enters to say that the gentleman with
whom Miss Clifford is going to drive.
has been waiting some time, and has
sent to inquire if she is ready. The
misery of the present moment has
driven all other thoughts from her
mind
Tell him." she replies, that re-
greet to say shall be Obliged 20 keep
my room for the remainder Of the af-
ternoon, for have violent headache.
And the maid departs with her mes
sage.i
For some time Athol remains in
pa nful meditation. Suddenly, with an
exclamation. she springs to her feet.
''Athol Clifford! | am ashamed of youl
weeping ami moaning like love sick
school girl for q man who loves you not!
This will never do" regarding the
flushed tear-s stained face in the mirror,
''what If anyone were TO expe ct that
love him hopelessly?" The thought
was madness to her. They shall not"
she adds passonately.
As Athol enters the ballroom the
same evening, upon the arm of gen.
tleman she looks like rare and state
" lily; outwardly calm, but inwardly
ag taicG. hoping yet dreading to meet
the eyes of Norris Langley. It is late
when they come in, the rooms are al
ready filled. They move slowly through
the throng; jewels sparkle and bright
eyes smile recognition as they pass on.
The band is playing delicious waltz,
and floating around in the arms of Norris
Langley-yes, she cannot mistake that
handsome head, that air la prince
which distinguishes him from all others
lis the most beautiful woman Athol
has ever seen. She is concious of a
keen jealous pang at sight of the lovely
stranger to whom Norris seems so de-
voted. She becomes so lost in her own
thoughts that she scarcely realizes
where she is.
Miss Clifford. you look pale, the
room is so close; shall we 90 out upon
the balcony few moments?" Reused
to outer consciousness by her compan-
ions words, Athol makes an effort to
appear interested, and says, with low,
sweet laugh: ut seems a pity not to
take advantage of this delightful
waltz"
Her escort eagerly places his arm
around her and they glide of into the
circle. The waltz over, they move to-
wards one of the windows, Athol's eyes
involuutarly seek the spot where Lang
ley stands conversing with his partner.
Becoming aware that her companion
is gazing earnestly into her face she
says: lis she not beautiful womanp'
"Yes, to those who admire that
type" he replies, with look which
conveys the idea that the type he most
admires is at his side. Her eyelids
droop and vivid flush suffuses her
face, although the man is totally I'M
interesting to her. She feels excessively
annoyed and raises her eyes just in
time to meet those of Morris Langley
bent full upon her as he passes, with
the beautiful southerner on his arm.
He bows distantly and then, as his
companion speaks, he turns his head
with smile. A sharp pang of disap-